ChinaTalk Dissent from Moscow to Beijing
13 snips
Aug 4, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Professor Ben Nathans, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, shares insights on the Soviet dissident movement, highlighting the power of humor as a resistance tool. Ian Johnson, who explores the Chinese dissident ecosystem, connects these insights to contemporary China. They delve into the parallels between post-Stalinist and post-Maoist regimes and the unique challenges faced by activists. The duo also discusses the role of dark humor and the evolution of justice in oppressive states, revealing the lasting impacts of these historical movements.
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Boldness in Hopeless Circumstances
- The Soviet dissident movement uniquely combined boldness and despair in fighting an oppressive system.
- Their strategy centered on demanding the Soviet government uphold its own laws rather than overthrowing it.
Rule of Law as Resistance
- Soviet dissidents embraced rule of law rooted in Soviet legal codes as a strategic approach.
- They believed holding the government accountable to its own laws could promote incremental change.
Dark Humor as Coping
- Dark humor permeated Soviet life as a coping and meaning-making mechanism.
- It was widespread, beyond dissidents, revealing deep absurdity in Soviet society.
